P249 - A PREBIOTIC FIBRE BLEND IMPROVES GUT BIFIDOBACTERIA LEVELS IN HEALTHY OLDER ADULTS

P249

A PREBIOTIC FIBRE BLEND IMPROVES GUT BIFIDOBACTERIA LEVELS IN HEALTHY OLDER ADULTS

A. Gagnon1,*, H. Wopereis1, K. Ben Amor1, J. van Bergenhenegouwen1, P. van Horssen1, Y. Luiking1

1Danone Research & Innovation, Utrecht, Netherlands

 

Rationale: Aging is associated with lower levels of beneficial gut bacteria such as bifidobacteria, which can impact immune response1. This study evaluated the impact of a prebiotic fibre blend on gut microbiota and immune parameters in healthy older adults. 

Methods: During a 6 week, randomised, controlled, double-blind study, subjects received 9 g of a prebiotic fibre blend (GOS, FOS, pectin, N=37) or control (maltodextrin & modified starch, N=36) daily. Blood and feces were sampled at baseline and after 3 and 6 weeks of supplementation to assess gut microbiota (Fluorescent in situ Hybridization), functional non-specific immune parameters (phagocytic capacity, oxidative burst and NK activity in monocytes and granulocytes), serum inflammatory markers and cytokines (produced by blood mononuclear cells in ex-vivo cultures). Statistical analysis used non-parametric tests. Correlation coefficient (CC) based on Spearman test.

Results: Abundance of bifidobacteria increased in the prebiotic group at week 3 & 6 vs baseline (P<0.001) and were higher at 3 & 6 weeks vs the control group. No changes in control group noted. 

 

Bifidobacterium

spp. (log10/gram wet feces)

 

 

Prebiotic Group

Control Group

P 

BL

8.87 (7.48-9.59) 

8.87 (7.78-9.73) 

0.939

Wk 3

9.47 (7.67-10.24) 

8.94 (7.65-9.83) 

0.002

Wk 6

9.41 (7.47-9.97) 

8.92 (7.71-9.56) 

0.003

Data as Median (min-max)

No differences between or within groups were noted for lactobacilli, clostridia, Enterobacteriaceae. In this healthy non-compromised study population, immune parameters did not differ at any timepoint. Post hoc correlation analysis of the change in bifidobacteria after 6 weeks revealed a negative correlation with serum IL-6 (CC =-0.47, P=0.0048), IL-10 (CC -0.37, P=0.0308), and CRP (CC=-0.36, P=0.0385).

Conclusion: The prebiotic fibre blend increased gut bifidobacteria levels and was associated with positive immune responses in healthy older adults.

References:  

        1. Arboleya et al. Front. Microbiol. 2016;(7).

Disclosure of Interest: A. Gagnon Other: Employee of Danone Research & Innovation, H. Wopereis Other: Employee of Danone Research & Innovation, K. Ben Amor Other: Employee of Danone Research & Innovation, J. van Bergenhenegouwen Other: Employee of Danone Research & Innovation, P. van Horssen Other: Employee of Danone Research & Innovation, Y. Luiking Other: Employee of Danone Research & Innovation